Missing Children Publication Hub

The publications in this section contain the results of our research as well as curated research on topics and issues relevant to missing children in Europe and the world. Example of the type of research you can find are understanding the causes of the different types of missing children cases in Europe, policy on missing children, search and rescue operations and family support. The menu and submenu options below will help you find what you're looking for.

If you'd like to share relevant research with us, please send the title, a link and description of the research to info@missingchildreneurope.eu.

In 2011, 2012 and 2013 over 12,000 unaccompanied and separated children each year entered the European Union (EU) seeking asylum. Many more enter the EU without asking for asylum. This creates challenges for European States, which must ensure that children are accorded appropriate care and protection and have their rights respected in the process in line with all international obligations. The European Commission and its Member States have responded to the challenge with, among other measures, the European Commission Action Plan on Unaccompanied Minors. The Action Plan focused on protection measures for children, on durable solutions, on application of the best interests of the child – as called for in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – and on cooperation with third countries.

UNICEF has concerns about the situation and the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who may be returned to their country of origin. One of the main recommendations of the report is that return policies should be made child proof and in line with children's rights.